This 5-day program is an excellent alternative to avoid most of the crowds found
on the 4-day classical route and to reach quieter, more distant and beautiful
campsites. It is also recommended for families with children, as it allows a
better acclimatization to altitude and the daily walking distance is lower than
in the 4-day version. Day 1: Cusco to Llactapata
We depart Cusco at 8:00am in a private transport, which will drive us to km.82,
the starting point of the Inca Trail. We start our hike walking along the left
shore of the Urubamba river. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive
in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part
of an overlook, the Inca city of Llactapata (2750m/9020ft). From this point, we
descend to the ruins, next to which we set our camp, after an approximated 3
hour walk. We spend the afternoon exploring and visiting this archaeological
site.

Day 2: Llactapata to Llulluchapampa
We wake up early to continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca
river, gradually climbing until we reach the farming community of Wayllabamba
(3000m/9840ft). All along the way we see spectacular views of the Vilcanota
mountain range on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive
Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the
diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
Continuing through the trail, we leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most
difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that
stretches for 9 km and reaches the first mountain pass in the Inca Trail, the
Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s pass). We only climb half way up the pass,
stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we camp and spend the night. Along the climb,
the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little
vegetation), having the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing
on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area
of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of
birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called
the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day and the
next one specially, your day pack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and
coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude
sickness.

Day 3: Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca
After breakfast, we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail,
reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass –
4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into
the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then start to climb to the
second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Half way up, we visit the
archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft,
consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose
of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black
Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca
(3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular
construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical
fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive
at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we
can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths
semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in
perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go
through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to
the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best
preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is
located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means
¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred
complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive
views of the Urubamba River valley. We set our camp in Phuyupatamarca and spend
the night there.

Day 4: Phuyupatamarca to Machupicchu
Today, we might have the chance to appreciate one of the most spectacular
sunrises in the Inca Trail, provided the sky is clear, as Phuyupatamarca’s
location offers awesome views at this moment of the day. We then start our way
through the long descending stone steps which will lead us to Wiñaywayna
(2650m/8692ft), where we find a campsite equipped with a restaurant, bar and
bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex
located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is the biggest
archaeological site in the Inca Trail besides Machupicchu and consists of an
impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a
religious sector and an urban sector, offering spectacular views over the
already narrower Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we leave Wiñaywayna to
climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a
trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this
fabulous spot, we may enjoy spectacular views over the sacred citadel of
Machupicchu, weather permitting. From Intipunku, a short walk brings us down to
the entrance from where we continue down to Puente Ruinas, a campsite located
just at the basement of the Machupicchu Mountain. We camp and dine at this
place. (***)

Day 5: Machupicchu to Cusco
We wake up early and board a bus, which will take us up to Machupicchu where we
begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately
two hours. We will then have free time to walk around, climb up the Huaynapicchu
Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the
valleys and mountains that surround it, or we can visit the Temple of the Moon
or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas
Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From
here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after
nightfall.

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